The question isn’t whether Chipper Jones, who will retire after the 2012 season, is a Hall of Famer. The question is whether he is a first-ballot Hall of Famer.

Six reasons the answer is yes:

Chipper Jones has more than 2,600 hits and more than 450 home runs in his career. (AP Photo)

• With a career line of .304/.402/.533, he is the only switch hitter in history with at least a .300 batting average, .400 on-base percentage and .500 slugging percentage. That includes Hall of Famer Mickey Mantle, who finished at .298/.421/.557.

• Jones warrants the vote of the stat-heads: His WAR is 35th best all-time among position players (source: baseballreference.com).

• He was the best player on a great team. Despite being overlooked because they won only one World Series, the Braves’ 14 consecutive division titles (1991-2005) make them a great team. • He made it in New York, where he famously wore out the New York Mets with 19 homers and a .313 average in 88 games at Shea Stadium. Why does this matter? A lot of Hall of Fame voters live in New York.

• With 2,615 hits and 454 homers, Jones won't join Eddie Murray as the only other switch hitter with 500 homers and 3,000 hits, but he will come close. He also is top five among switch hitters in homers (third), RBIs (second) and runs (fifth).

• He passes any eye test. He played a long time. He won an MVP award, he hit in the clutch, he played great defense. He stayed above the steroids controversy. Heck, he even has a Hall of Fame baseball name.